Centre Considering to Ease Petrol Pump Licensing Norms

The govt had in 2019 relaxed the norms for setting up petrol pumps, opening the door for non-oil cos to enter the fuel retailing business

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI: The government is considering further easing the norms for setting up petrol pumps in the world's fastest-growing fuel market, in light of the evolving energy security paradigm and commitment to decarbonisation, according to an official order.

The government had in 2019 relaxed the norms for setting up petrol pumps, opening the door for non-oil companies to enter the fuel retailing business.

At that time, companies with a net worth of Rs 250 crore were permitted to sell petrol and diesel, provided they committed to setting up infrastructure for at least one new-generation alternative fuel, such as CNG, LNG, biofuels, or EV charging, within three years of beginning their operations.

For companies wanting to sell petrol and diesel to retail and bulk consumers, the net-worth criteria was set at Rs 500 crore. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has now constituted an expert committee to review the 2019 guidelines for granting authorisation to market transportation fuels.